The Initial Appointment is so helpful in gaining and understanding of all areas of concern and to develop an understanding of a child and family’s goals. A full history of your child will be reviewed including medical, developmental, family, educational and social history. Typically the initial appointment is 60 minutes. Subsequent therapy sessions are 45-60 minutes in length.

Children and Adolescents may be anxious or guarded during the initial appointment and “may not be themselves”. Initially the goal to is to have them feel comfortable in a calm, friendly setting. Toys, art and activities are provided to help your child feel more at ease.

The main goal of the first appointment is to gather information, understand the concerns and develop a plan of treatment. Counseling is typically not a “quick fix” and requires times to build a rapport and work together on specific goals and challenges.

In preparation, discuss the upcoming appointment in general terms. Suggestions include telling your child that the family is going to see a counselor or helper to talk about how to make things better at home, school, with friends. Reassure them they are not in trouble and resist the idea of using counseling as a threat, as they will then assume it is a negative experience. If children perceive counseling as a “punishment” or feel something is “wrong” with them, they will be more defensive, fearful and resistant to participating.

Try to plan ahead for a time when your child is not hungry, overly tired or ill. This can make the visit a negative experience.

Arrive on time so that the initial appointment can be a calm experience for you and your family and we can have full advantage of our time.